Construction & estimating · Masonry & finishes

Painting calculator

Litres and tins of paint and primer, with labour.

Standard: Area × coats / spread rate

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Inputs in the worked example

The live calculator starts with these values; change any of them and every result, check and diagram updates instantly.

InputValueUnit
Surface area220m²
Openings18m²
Top coats2
Spread rate14m²/L
Primer / sealer coatYes
Primer spread rate12m²/L
Waste10%
Paint22$/L
Primer16$/L
Labour14$/m²

Worked example — results

ResultValueUnit
Net area202m²
Paint31.7L
Tins (10 L + 4 L)3 × 10 L + 1 × 4 L
Primer16.8L
Total$3,796
$3,796paintingPaint: $698Primer: $269Labour: $2,828
Diagram for the worked example

Method, formulas and assumptions

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For preliminary design and education. Check every result against the current standard and your own engineering judgement before use.